2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh that year, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The sedan's design updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the 5 Series maintained its classic BMW layout, with familiar elements like the touchscreen positioning and unique shifter design. While the interior materials varied by trim level, the Nappa leather option in the 540i xDrive test car added a touch of luxury, complemented by aluminum trim. However, the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined interior.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, showcased an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. Its expressive headlights and available two-tone paint schemes added to its dynamic appearance. The Sentra's design was further enhanced by its bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches, giving it an agile and fun look. Inside, the Sentra offered a spacious and well-organized cabin, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, while the roomy second row and 404-litre trunk provided practicality. The Sentra's interior was designed for comfort, with features like Zero Gravity front seats and available heated options, making it suitable for long journeys.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h, or 235 km/h with performance tires. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter reaching 617 hp and a top speed of 305 km/h. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available in Canada. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its adequate performance for city driving, with fuel consumption ratings of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its well-tuned CVT, independent suspension, and dual-pinion electric steering, providing tidy road manners and almost fun cornering. While not a powerhouse, the Sentra's 149 hp offered a balanced blend of efficiency and practicality.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan in Canada, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. Its 396-litre trunk surpassed rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats provided comfort and support, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for functionality, with well-placed features and a traditional gear selector. It offered ample storage options, including big door pockets and a roomy glove compartment. The Sentra's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long drives, with heated options standard. The SR Premium grade added features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a power-sliding glass moonroof. The Sentra's interior layout and features made it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options. However, the layout of the instrument cluster could be confusing for some drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen interface, upgraded to 8 inches on SV and SR trims. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth audio, and hands-free features. While navigation was not available, smartphone integration allowed access to navigation apps. The SR Premium offered a premium Bose audio system with eight speakers, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS for the 2020 model, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra boasted a comprehensive array of safety features, including advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard features included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.